Gail Nichols
College admissions consultant working online with families across the US
| Hourly rate range | $150 to $225 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | |
| Works with | Students and Parents |
| Based in | California, United States |
| Sessions | Online |
| Credentials | IECA Professional member |
| Experience | 12 years coaching |
| Practice | College Trek Consulting |
Gail Nichols is a college admissions consultant who runs College Trek Consulting. She helps students and their parents plan for college, from high school course choices to the final application. She has more than 12 years of experience and works with families across the US over Zoom. Her team includes essay editors. Packages start in junior year, and hourly help is also offered for families who need only certain parts of the process.
What Gail helps with
Gail helps families break the college process into small steps. She works on finding colleges that fit a student's social, academic and money priorities.
- Building a balanced college list
- Choosing high school courses that fit target colleges
- Planning a testing schedule
- Brainstorming and editing college essays
- Choosing which application type to use
- Handling decisions, deferrals and waitlists
- Preparing for college interviews
- Planning college visits
Who Gail works with
Gail works with high school students and their parents. Most packages begin in junior year and run through senior year. Seniors who already have test scores and a college list can use a shorter package. Transfer students and families who need help with one task can use hourly support.
How Gail works
Gail offers one-on-one guidance, and meetings are set to fit each family's needs. The Junior/Senior Comprehensive Program runs from junior year through the end of senior year. It covers college research, list building, interview prep, activity review, testing schedules, essay review, application management and the college timeline. Essay programs vary by the number of essays each application needs. Families can also build their own package or pay for help in 15-minute increments.
Background and qualifications
Gail Nichols is an independent educational consultant and an IECA Professional member. She founded College Trek Consulting and has more than 12 years of experience in college advising. She is based in California, and the practice also has a Tennessee base. She sees every part of the college world as interesting, from college sports to taking classes herself. Her team includes essay editors who help students write in their own voice.
Gail Nichols pricing
Programs and services
- Junior/Senior Comprehensive Program
- Senior package with a limited number of meetings
- Essay programs
- Hourly consulting in 15-minute increments
- Build Your Own Package
- Online sessions by Zoom
Gail Nichols reviews
The CoachVouch take
Offers a Build Your Own Package and hourly help in 15-minute increments alongside full junior-to-senior programs.
Best for high school families who want either full guidance from junior year or help with just one part of applying.
Common questions
How much does Gail Nichols charge?
Coaching with Gail runs $150 to $225 an hour. Message Gail from this page for an exact quote.
What does Gail Nichols help with?
Gail Nichols helps with building a balanced college list, choosing high school courses that fit target colleges, planning a testing schedule and brainstorming and editing college essays.
Does Gail Nichols coach online?
Gail is based in California, United States. Sessions are online.
Is Gail Nichols certified?
Gail Nichols lists: IECA Professional member.
Does Gail Nichols work with transfer students?
Yes. Her hourly program serves any grade level, including transfer students and families who need help building a college list.
Does Gail Nichols offer help for student athletes and arts applicants?
Yes. She guides students on athlete, theater, music and art supplements.
How do I contact Gail Nichols?
Send Gail a message from this page. It's free and takes a minute.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.